Blackberry Simple Syrup
This Blackberry Simple Syrup is the perfect flavor addition to cocktails and homemade sodas! Made with only 4 ingredients in just 30 minutes!
This Blackberry Simple Syrup will liven up all of your favorite cocktails and homemade sodas and can also bring any dessert to a whole new level! And just like its name, it’s simple to make since it calls for only 4 ingredients and a saucepan.
The flavor of this syrup comes out perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness while also carrying that slightly bitter aftertaste of the blackberries. One taste of it will have you putting it on everything! We love it in this Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail!
If you’re not familiar with simple syrups, they’re liquid sweeteners that have a thick, syrup-like consistency. They make a great addition to any at-home bartender and come in many different flavors, such as Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, and even Brown Sugar!
Ingredient Notes
- blackberries
- granulated sugar
- water
- lemon juice
This homemade simple syrup is made by simmering fresh berries in water with granulated sugar and lemon juice. I find that the flavor of this syrup turns out best when I make it with freshly picked blackberries that have been harvested at their peak ripeness.
If you don’t have access to fresh berries, you can use frozen blackberries instead. As for the lemon juice, this is an optional ingredient, but it does add a bright, citrusy kick to the overall syrup.
As all of the simple ingredients simmer, the process will break down the berries, forcing them to release all of the delicious juice that we’re looking for. Once the syrup is reduced, the entire mixture is strained, leaving you with nothing but that smooth blackberry liquid!
How To Make Blackberry Simple Syrup Step-By-Step
Begin by adding the fresh blackberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice (if using) to a small or medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stir often.
Remove from heat and allow the blackberry mixture to cool in the pot for at least 20 minutes. Then pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a wide-mouthed measuring cup or bowl.
Pour the strained syrup into a bottle or airtight container and let it fully come to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If your measuring cup or bowl doesn’t have a spout, I recommend using a funnel to transfer to reduce spilling.
Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe Tips
- Berries – As the syrup simmers, be sure to break up the berries. This will cause them to release as much of their juices as possible. I find that a meat chopper or potato masher does the trick!
- Strain – A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth works best for straining. Their tiny holes are the perfect gatekeeper to ensure only liquid passes through, eliminating any chunks or seeds.
- Squeeze – As you strain the syrup, squeeze the mixture to remove every last drop of blackberry juice that you can! If straining through a cheesecloth, you can bundle the mixture, twist, and squeeze. If using a fine mesh sieve, use a rubber spatula to press the berries down to get as much juice as possible.
- Funnel – When transferring the syrup into a bottle or jar, a kitchen funnel is a great way to do so with as little mess as possible.
Mouthwatering Ways To Enjoy Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Desserts – Spoon the reduced mixture or drizzle the finished syrup over a bowl of ice cream, cheesecake, or other desserts!
- Breakfast – Serve a bottle of this syrup up at breakfast with a tall stack of Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes, Waffles, or the Best Brioche French Toast!
- Cocktails – Mix it into your favorite cocktails to add a sweet level of berry flavor to them! Try it in Rosé Berry Sangria or Red Wine Sangria!
- Beverages – Use this syrup to make a splash in all of your favorite lemonades, iced teas, or even smoothies!
Blackberry Simple Syrup FAQs
Blackberry simple syrup is to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or a tightly sealed jar or bottle. The homemade syrup can then be enjoyed for up to 2 weeks. However, it is fine to leave it out at room temperature for a couple of days.
We love these bottles for storing and gifting. However, they can be a little tricky to clean, so make sure you have a long bottle brush with a thin handle. (affiliate link)
This recipe will leave you with about 2 cups of simple syrup.
You can find a fine mesh sieve or strainer at just about any department store and many places online. This is the fine mesh strainer we use. (affiliate link)
Yes, this simple syrup can be made ahead of time and then frozen to enjoy later. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
This is a great way to preserve the flavor of those fresh wild blackberries all year long or to get ahead for all of those summertime gatherings where you’ll want fresh, delicious flavoring to add to all those fun, warm-weather beverages!
Add another splash of homemade flavored syrups to your favorite drinks by also making this Peach Simple Syrup or this soothing Lavender Simple Syrup!
This recipe was originally published in February 2014 and was updated in April 2023 with fresh photos and additional recipe information.
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More Blackberry Recipes
If you’re a blackberry fan, then you’ll love these other recipes made with the juicy dark berries too!
Blackberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Add 2 cups blackberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, if using, to a medium pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the berries are soft and breaking up, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, making sure to squeeze any excess juice from the berries.
- Transfer the syrup into a bottle or jar, using a funnel if needed. Let the syrup cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate per cup of syrup.
- How To Store: Blackberry simple syrup is to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or a tightly sealed jar or bottle. The homemade syrup can then be enjoyed for up to 2 weeks. However, it is fine to leave it out at room temperature for a couple of days.
- How To Freeze Blackberry Simple Syrup: Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is a great way to preserve the flavor of those fresh wild blackberries all year long or to get ahead for all of those summertime gatherings where you’ll want fresh, delicious flavoring to add to all those fun, warm-weather beverages!
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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I absolutely love this recipe. I tweaked it just a bit for me. Oh so yummy!!!
Where did you find the super cute bottle? Making this right now and wishing I had one!
Hi Suzanne, I’ve seen them at Hobby Lobby most recently. I think I got these from TJMaxx, but it’s been a few years. You can also purchase them on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2NAFX8s
CAN I USE BLACKBERRY EXTRACT FLAVORING TO MAKE MY SURYP. I CANT FIND BLACKBERRIES FRESH OR FROZEN AND NO JUICE I”M STUCK CAN YOU HELP ?
Hi Peggy, Yes, you can, It might not have as true of a blackberry flavor, but you can use my Simple Syrup recipe found here: https://www.sugarandsoul.co/simple-syrup/ and add the extract to it after cooling. Add a teaspoon at a time until your reach your desired flavor.
How long can you save this syrup? And do you have to keep it in the fridge?
Yes, you’ll want to keep it in the fridge so it lasts longer. It should last about a month in the fridge… if you add a tsp of vodka it can extend the shelf like for up to 3 months.
Do you add the vodka after it’s cooled or while it’s still hot?
cooled and room temp unless you are making a hot cocktail.